News in brief

24th July 2007

Motorists who smoke have reduced concentration and are likely to drive faster than non-smokers. That’s according to a study by car supermarket Motorpoint. It also found 62 per cent want private vehicles to become smoke-free. Cars used for private purposes are currently exempt from the smoking ban, which prevents company users lighting up at the wheel if the vehicle is shared with another driver.

WOMEN are the worst offenders for road rage, claims a new report. BMW’s Secret Life Of Cars found that they are more likely to shout an insult to other drivers than men – and that they are the last to admit they have made a mistake, too.

The report also revealed that sign language is increasingly being used as British roads get busier. Waves of thanks, insulting gestures, mouthed instructions and flashing lights have all been adopted, especially in congested cities, where extra signs – over and above the cars’ signals – are now considered necessary.